MA Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

De Montfort University

Program Overview

The MA in Human Resource Management at De Montfort University (DMU) is designed for graduates and professionals who want to advance their careers in HR with a strong focus on strategic, global, and digital perspectives. It suits ambitious individuals aiming to become reflexive practitioners, combining theory with practical skills to thrive in diverse organizational contexts.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

(Full-time, Block Teaching):

In the first block, students explore People Management: Leadership, Development and Analytics, gaining insights into leadership styles, workforce development, and the use of HR analytics to drive decision-making.
- The second block, Managing Employment Relations in a Legal Context, equips students with knowledge of employment law and conflict resolution, preparing them to handle complex workplace issues confidently.

Final Stage (Dissertation):

The program culminates in a Research Dissertation in Human Resource Management, allowing students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice. This project develops advanced analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, positioning graduates as thought leaders in HRM.

Focus Areas

Strategic HRM, employment law, leadership development, HR analytics, sustainability, global workforce management, employee resourcing, and advanced research.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically evaluate HRM theories and practices, apply legal and ethical frameworks to employment relations, design sustainable HR strategies, and conduct independent research that informs professional practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is aligned with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the UK’s leading professional body for HR practitioners. Students gain the underpinning knowledge to work towards full Chartered Membership of CIPD.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

DMU’s Careers Team won “Employability Team of the Year” at the TargetJobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards, highlighting the university’s commitment to student success.
Graduates have secured roles in diverse sectors including the NHS, oil companies, banking, retail, and voluntary organizations, with many progressing to PhD-level study.
DMU is consistently recognized in UK rankings for employability and student support, making it a strong choice for career-focused postgraduate study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the strongest aspects of DMU’s MA Human Resource Management is its emphasis on practical, real-world application. The program is taught through block teaching, meaning you focus on one module at a time, with regular assessments and feedback that mirror workplace projects. This structure gives you the chance to apply HR theories directly to case studies, simulations, and group projects, while benefiting from DMU’s modern facilities and professional networks. You’ll also gain exposure to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) standards, ensuring your learning is aligned with industry practice. To make this even more engaging, DMU integrates digital tools, collaborative learning, and access to specialist resources that prepare you for HR roles in diverse sectors.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into your studies:

Block Teaching Approach: You study one module intensively at a time, allowing you to engage deeply with practical case studies, role-play exercises, and applied HR scenarios.
Group Projects and Simulations: Modules such as People Management: Leadership, Development and Analytics and Managing Employment Relations in a Legal Context include collaborative projects where you practice leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution in simulated workplace settings.
Digital HR Tools and Analytics: The program integrates HR analytics, giving you hands-on experience with data-driven decision-making tools used in modern HR practice.
Professional Accreditation (CIPD): Learning is mapped to CIPD standards, meaning your coursework and projects are designed to meet professional competencies, enhancing employability.
Library and Research Access: You’ll have full access to DMU’s Kimberlin Library, which houses HRM journals, employment law databases, and digital resources essential for your dissertation and applied projects.
Faculty of Business and Law Facilities: As part of DMU’s Faculty of Business and Law, you benefit from modern seminar rooms, collaborative learning spaces, and access to the Leicester Castle Business School, which emphasizes experiential and industry-focused education.
Career Development Support: DMU’s award-winning careers team provides workshops, networking events, and employer connections, helping you translate classroom learning into internships and HR roles across industries.

This combination of block teaching, CIPD alignment, digital HR tools, and collaborative projects ensures you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and practical skills employers demand.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of DMU’s MA Human Resource Management are well-prepared to step into senior HR roles across industries, thanks to the program’s CIPD alignment and strong employability focus. Typical career paths include HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Employee Relations Manager, and Learning & Development Consultant. Many alumni have gone on to work in sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, and the voluntary sector, while others have pursued doctoral research.

Here’s how DMU supports your career progression and future opportunities:

University Services for Employability: DMU’s award-winning Careers Team (Employability Team of the Year at TargetJobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards) provides tailored workshops, employer networking events, and one-to-one guidance to help you secure HR roles.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: DMU highlights strong graduate outcomes, with alumni securing positions in organizations such as the NHS, oil companies, banks, and retail. HR professionals in the UK typically earn between £35,000–£55,000 annually, with senior roles exceeding this range.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program benefits from DMU’s close ties with professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), ensuring your learning is mapped to industry standards and employer expectations.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: CIPD accreditation provides a pathway to Chartered Membership, a globally recognized credential that enhances career mobility and credibility in HR.
Graduation Outcomes: Many graduates progress into leadership positions or specialist HR roles, while others continue into PhD-level study, contributing to academic research and policy development in HRM.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MA Human Resource Management, students can continue their academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Human Resource Management or related fields such as Organizational Behaviour, Employment Law, or Business Strategy. This progression allows graduates to deepen their expertise, contribute to cutting-edge research, and prepare for careers in academia, consultancy, or high-level organizational leadership.